Category Archives for Novels

Review of “The New Mrs. Collins,” by Quanie Miller

The New Mrs. Collins by Quanie MillerYes, I’ve been away a long time. I’ve been busy, what can I say? But I’ve been busy trying to get my second novel out, so at least I have a great excuse, no?

I had to pop in today though and tell you about a new book that was just released. It was a great read, very entertaining and well-written. It’s called “The New Mrs. Collins,” and was written by Quanie Miller.

Apparently Quanie and I have a similar love for R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike, although now in my “older” years I get scared easily and shy away from paranormal-I read hers and loved it!

Quanie’s writing style was great. Her character building was perfect. Sometimes people try too hard and it’s noticeable. Hers was simply, natural.

So, with perfect timing for Halloween and all things a little spooky, I suggest you go out and get her book.

You can find it on Amazon.com, be sure to leave her a review and help support Indie Authors!

Second Novel…Done!

Last Saturday night I completed my second novel. I think I may have tweeted my accomplishment, but I can’t recall now. I had a small celebration, a vodka shot and a reading to my number one fan, but after that…the week was normal. It occurred to me, after trying to get a little acknowledgement from friends and family that completing my novel really didn’t matter. Almost a year of writing, every Saturday night, 548 pages later, 51 chapters, 128,000+ words. No big deal. It may be a big deal someday…to them, if it sells I suppose. But it will always be a big deal to me. This book was a companion of sorts for all of those Saturday nights. I’m going to miss it. I know I’ll get to do all of the fun stuff soon (or not), of editing and cover art and then finally promotion. But for me, the creation was the magic and I loved every minute of it whether anyone ends up caring or not.

My second novel is done. Hard to believe. Hasn’t really sunk in yet. Hopefully, it will be in print next year.

48 Chapters…Only 2 Left? What?!

I cannot believe I am only 2 chapters…and Epilogue away from finishing my second novel. I would stay up all night and finish it…if I wanted to be done. But it will be so surreal to be finished with this book, it has become part of me, part of my life…I do think it’s possible the characters will continue on to more books, we shall see. But for now, I am 2 weeks away from finishing. I’m stunned.

42 Chapters Done!

Tonight’s writing was so incredibly satisfying. Not only is the story coming together and the ending feeling so near…but it was just an amazing writing night. The words came easily, the names, the places, the feelings – everything was seen in my head and clear and it was just…fun. It’s hard to believe I’m 42 chapters in, I anticipate being finished with my second novel in 2 to 3 months, at least the writing part of it 😉 lots of work after that, but still don’t want to think about that. I know how much I’ll miss writing this one, I have a feeling it is going to be a series. Well, off to bed for me – it’s 4 a.m… :O and I’m exhausted!!

Night World!

Writing…no matter what

Despite a tumultuous day/evening I have completed chapter 39. It is hard to believe when I look back at the print preview how far I’ve come. As you may know by now I only tackle one chapter a week. I look forward to writing each and every Saturday no matter what. Today was going to be hard I knew…and I didn’t get started until far later than I’d like and there were many things standing in my way. But despite that the chapter clicked away, new ideas springing out of nowhere. The book is taking shape and is drawing close to the epic ending I’ve been envisioning for nearly a year.

One thought keeps popping into my mind as I write. “What am I going to do when I’m finished with this book?” I enjoy writing it so much, have no ideas for anything in the future once it is done, so I guess I will just play that by ear and enjoy it for now. I didn’t know a few years ago that writing would become such an important thing to me and something that has helped me considerably to deal with the stresses of everyday life.

I love writing. Like this post if you do too.

Nothing will keep me from my writing night…I hope

Neither hell nor high water nor a possible broken toe will keep me from my writing night. I’ve just finished another chapter. I cannot believe how this book has taken shape. Even though I’m tired and quite burnt out from the week, I just can’t fathom not writing my one chapter.

So for weeks now Saturday is my day and I love it. Tonight started a little rocky though, just wanting to get a little laundry done while I wrote I tried to clear off the washer with one hand (I don’t recommend that).

Bam! Something heavy falls and lands on my big toe. Can you say ouch?! I had just finished my run and was quite glad for being able to run…irony. Gotta love it.

So with bruised (hopefully not broken toe) I set out to write my chapter. Why do I choose Saturday night?

Normally I do so because I can sleep a little longer the next day. Unfortunately, tomorrow we have an early start. I contemplated not writing and getting some rest instead. But as I stated…I just can’t fathom not writing my one chapter on Saturday.

Wonder what will happen when the book is finished. Will I enjoy writing free Saturdays, or miss it terribly and have to start something else?

Guess we’ll see.

My other book did quite well on Smashwords in July, I had hoped to have 100 copies “sold” (which means given away for free). I reached 98. I was a little bummed at first, but it was a personal and silly goal anyway and I came pretty darn close, so I’m very happy.

Thank you to those who have read it and reviewed it so far. I look forward to others in the future 🙂

You can download a free copy here http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/308794 coupon code: WB49Q

Cheers!!

I reached 400 pages!!!

Last Saturday night I hit a huge milestone for my second novel. 400 pages. It was a strange and amazing feeling. I would like to write another 100 pages, but will see where the story wishes to go, if it’s shorter so be it, if it’s longer, great. Again, I’m in no rush – looking ahead to the editing process next year keeps me just fine and dandy where I am in the writing stage.

My first novel “The Light of the Blue Pearl” is in the Summer/Winter Sale catalog on smashwords this month, it’s free for July only, so please go grab and copy and leave me a review if you like it.

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/308794

It’s been doing very well in the number of downloads, but it is always so hard to get people to review things, so I greatly appreciate when you do!

Have a great week! Happy reading and writing 🙂

Some days are easier than others…

Writing last Saturday night was an interesting one. I got a late start, which isn’t a huge deal, although it takes me a couple of hours usually to focus and write one chapter so I was going to be up late. The week before the keys clicked quickly. This time I found myself pondering more, unsure of where the story should go. I think part of that had to do with my own life circumstances and something I’m going through now, my stories tend to have a bit of my own life thrown in, and confusion in reality can lead to confusion on the page. It didn’t take too long to sort it out and the chapter was done before it was too late…relatively.

Despite my own inner conflicts and doubts that I would be able to write that night, I always feel better after I accomplish my goal of one chapter on Saturday nights. If I didn’t choose to sit down and write it, it certainly wouldn’t happen. It is one thing I refuse to let life get in the way of.

I was also a bit excited to see a promotion that Smashwords has for July working well to spread the word of my first novel. Within just a few days I had sold over 30 copies (free copies mind you, but it all helps). You can still get it free until the end of July by going to http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/308794, the coupon code is available on my book page. If you do download it, please leave me a review! Everything helps to spread the word and knowing people are enjoying what I write means the world to me.

Thanks!!

More than halfway done…

Writing was a breeze last Saturday night…and I meant to write that on Saturday, so why didn’t I you ask? Because I finish late and I forget to. The chapter was daunting before I sat down, as it usually is. I always wonder if I will be able to come up with anything. Then I open my word document and the keys start clicking away. It’s weird. But I love it and I’m not going to complain. It is hard to believe how far I am already in this novel, I am enjoying every bit of it and am in no rush for it to be over…that is a huge reason why it will likely take the rest of this year, because I don’t want it to end. I love the book, I love the characters and I love getting lost in it.

I have the same concerns as most writers, is it any good? Will others like it? But I try not to worry too much because ultimately I am writing it because I want to. Each chapter seems to take on a life of its own, an additional piece to the overall puzzle that will be the finished product. I may need to, probably will need to go back and add a few things in, a little more description maybe, maybe not, we’ll see. The beauty is, I don’t have to worry about that until later 😉

This chapter was a little piece of the puzzle, but a very important catalyst to the rest. I am very interested in seeing what will happen this Saturday. Until then, I hope you are enjoying my first novel “The Light of the Blue Pearl”. It is a completely different genre from my current, but I would say similar in my style of unfolding the story. My first novel is a mystery/romance, unlike your typical romance. In fact, I hate classifying it at all because some people tend to hear the word romance and don’t want to read it. However, most who take the time to pick it up are pleasantly surprised by the mystery of it. So all I can say is, don’t judge a book by its genre 😉

You can download a free copy on Smashwords, visit my homepage for details https://www.kchawke.com

Happy Reading! And if you do read it, please drop me a line, or leave me a review on Amazon, Smashwords, or Goodreads or all of the above. I really do appreciate it so much!

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